With the cooler weather arriving with force recently, one Tatura family had a lucky escape when bed linen drying in front of a wood heater quickly became engulfed in flames on June 1.
The fire burned through blankets before hitting the floor and spreading into the living room.
Tatura Fire Brigade captain and incident controller Peter Bevan hoped this common incident reminded people to keep items drying at least one metre away from all heating sources.
Fire Rescue Victoria FRV and CFA responded to more than 150 heater fires between May 2024 and March 2025, with sleeping and living areas the most common room of fire ignition for incidents that resulted in serious injuries or death.
When it comes to home heating, CFA and FRV recommends:
• drying clothes and other items that can burn be kept at least 1m away from all heat sources;
• always use a fire screen in front of an open fire;
• children must be supervised near all types of heating;
• never leave portable heaters and fireplaces unattended, turn off heaters and make sure fireplace embers are extinguished before leaving the room or going to sleep;
• residents should have their gas heaters inspected and serviced every two years to ensure safety from carbon monoxide poisoning or fire;
• if you suspect a fault in a heater, have it serviced or replaced immediately. Replace old portable heaters with models that incorporate automatic cut-out, thermostat control and anti-roll features; and
• ensure home heating, including flues and chimneys, is regularly cleaned and serviced by a certified technician.
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